Would the Taoiseach accept that it was his sole intervention which persuaded the Americans to grant the extra 700 work permits this summer, which is much appreciated? But, in view of the fact that there are over 1,000 people who still have applied for such permits, would the Taoiseach be prepared to explore other possibilities to increase the Irish quota?

We have increased the figure by 70 per cent by comparison with those for last year and with the figure initially proposed for this year. We now have half the European total, which is a remarkable achievement, as I think Deputy Manning was indicating. The question of whether there is any possibility of improving on that is a moot point. I certainly would like to do so if I could and I am looking at the position at present but I am not certain that we will be able to do much more than we have done already.